Animal welfare activist lauds the Riau Police for swift capture of elephant poachers: a new milestone

Animal welfare activist Rahel Yosi expressed appreciation for the success of the Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) in uncovering a case of elephant poaching in Sumatra at Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN), Ukui district, Pelalawan Regency. According to Rahel, this marks a new chapter in efforts to protect wildlife. Rahel Yosi described the move by Polda Riau under the leadership of Inspector General Herry Heryawan as a new milestone in conservation in Riau Province. She said that solid coordination enabled police to arrest 15 suspects in a short time, while 3 others remain at large on the DPO list. ‘For the first time in Polda Riau’s history, a case of elephant killings for their tusks, uncovered in an extraordinarily rapid timeframe. Fifteen suspects have been arrested,’ Rahel said in a statement on Thursday, 5 March 2026. She added that this breakthrough is very welcome news for wildlife lovers and activists across Indonesia. ‘Seeing the Police’s efforts and commitment to protecting and safeguarding Indonesia’s wildlife provides a boost of morale for all of us,’ she added. Furthermore, Rahel expressed deep gratitude to Inspector General Herry Heryawan, who is regarded as very open and has given space for wildlife activists to contribute to environmental oversight. Not only to the police, but central government support is also a focus. Rahel specifically commended the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, who is seen as consistently supporting wildlife conservation. ‘Thank you I convey to the Minister of Forestry Mr. Raja Juli Antoni who has always supported wildlife conservation efforts in Indonesia and promises that the state will be present in wildlife protection efforts,’ Rahel stated. This success is hoped not to be a one-off, but to become a new standard in handling wildlife crime in the future. Rahel Yosi emphasised that active involvement of the Police (Polri) together with the TNI and other stakeholders gives fresh hope for the survival of Sumatra elephants, which are increasingly threatened. ‘May this be a motivation for us all to pursue consistent efforts to safeguard Indonesia’s wildlife that we love. The forests of Riau and the wildlife within them are a heritage that we must defend without compromise,’ she concluded. As known, Polda Riau arrested 15 suspects in the elephant tusk-poaching case in Ukui, Pelalawan Regency. Three suspects remain at large.